Biological and pharmacological effects and nutritional impact of phytosterols: A comprehensive review.

Elyas Nattagh-Eshtivani, Hanieh Barghchi, Naseh Pahlavani, Mehdi Barati, Yasaman Amiri, Abdulmannan Fadel, Maryam Khosravi, Saeedeh Talebi, Pishva Arzhang, Rahele Ziaei, Abed Ghavami

Journal: Phytotherapy research : PTR 2022;36(1):299-322

PMID: 34729825

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Abstract

Phytosterols (PSs), classified into plant sterols and stanols, are bioactive compounds found in foods of plant origin. PSs have been proposed to exert a wide number of pharmacological properties, including the potential to reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Other health-promoting effects of PSs include anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Also, anticancer effects have been strongly suggested, as phytosterol-rich diets may reduce the risk of cancer by 20%. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of the available evidence regarding the beneficial physiological and pharmacological activities of PSs, with special emphasis on their therapeutic potential for human health and safety. Also, we will explore the factors that influence the physiologic response to PSs.

Address: Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.; Nutrition and Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.; Medical School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.; School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.; Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, Faculty of Nutritional Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.; Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7312

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MeSH Terms: Cardiovascular Diseases, Diet, Humans, Neoplasms, Phytosterols